Car & Bike Thunderbird or R15

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evilwit

Forerunner
Hey guys,
My budget is 140k.And i choosen R15 v2.I like its look and what it offers for the price.But I have got some questions.

Actually somtimes I will use this bike to travel with my mom.And she will sit one sided.So I am bit worried because as know pillion seat on R15 v2 is very small and it is very high.And somtimes I worry that my mom can fall off.So whats your opinion on that?And if you guys suggest me to not to go with R15 i have thought for going for RE Thunderbird 350cc.I have some queries.

1.Will TB it be good for city use?

2.I have heard that maintaince cost of TB is very high and I will often have to visit service center.And parts for TB are not easily available.Is this true?Some are also saying that maintainance cost is same as r15.I will drive it with respect means no over accelartion,sudden braking etc.So generally what will be the maintance cost for both the bikes?

3.I have also thought of cbr 150r but all of my friends are saying that its not good?Not VFM to be precise.What do you have to say about it.

4.If you guys suggest me to stick with R15 can i buy white color?I have heard that it will turn yellowish over time.

Some requests:No duke 200,bullets,classics,pulsars.

Fingers crossed.
 
Even your friends will find it uncomfortable to ride pillion with you on R15, especially the new one.

1. TB good for city use? Maybe, depends on which city you're in. I live in Bangalore, and it is not comfortable to lug around such a bike in traffic, especially with its weird pseudo cruiser-type handlebar.

2. Yes, all Royal Enfield's will have a higher maintenance cost. If you plan to buy it, prepared to be amazed at the many problems you'll face. This is in comparison to R15 though, which is very easy to maintain. However, the parts not being available is completely false. If you are OK with the increased maintenance, then go for TB.

3. Yes, that has pathetic VFM. However, if you like it, then what's stopping you from getting it?

4. No, won't turn yellowish if you clean it regularly and don't let dust settle over it for a long period of time.

Why not Classic 350? Same engine as TB; same maintenance; but better handling in city.
 
I can't comment on the other bikes, but the points for/against the TB are:

1. Handling a TB is much easier that you would expect (as long as you don't expect extreme lean in corners :D ) that said, don't expect to sidelwalk hop or do insane cuts in traffic like you would with a splendor.
2. The pillion seat is quite comfortable for city distances, the backrest on the new bike has mixed reviews but that should matter in city
3. Maintenance is not an issue with the new enfields, there will be some minor niggles here and there but you should be able to live with them (also you will need to do your homework deciding on which service center to get your bike worked on, there is an insane variation between different dealers).
( Assume you service the bike every three months, servicing costs 500-700 labour + 1000 oil + some few hundred extra for filter replacements etc. you need to change the oil every 3k kms )
4. bikrb0t mentioned the C350, that would be better for you (better handling, lower profile) but your mom will hate you for it ( uncomfortable for pillions)[DOUBLEPOST=1381544831][/DOUBLEPOST]
booo said:
Isnt thunderbird a bullet?
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Nope, only a bullet is a bullet, that too the CI engine ones, the rest are "royal enfields".
 
From a owner of bullet for around 7 years. currently a desert storm.

Other than mainanence the bike will suit you well. Please dont consider it as other bikes, you need to have a different mindset when u drive that. Calm and steady is the name of the game. :)
When you drive a bullet, the cutting and side hoping wont come to your mind. coz the bike wont make u feel to do stuff like that :)
 
As a Bullet owner for 15 years, I find it very hard to believe that maintenance is costly.
Since when has Bullet spares and service started getting costly?
 
its live Rolls Royce vs Lambo
Its like Chicken Tandoori vs Chicken babycorn
Its like Nokia N95 vs Lumia 900

Make your choice buy it

Thunderbird is a a basic cruiser, while R15 is a track oriented bike with good cornering ability

Its tough to maintain Thunderbird, but yeah,, you will have to maintain every machine you own it like your baby, unless you want to throw in garbage in some years

Regarding city capability, TB will be much easier to drive around, the r15 seating position might case pain in the arse
 
Anybody sitting pillion on R15 will be uncomfortable with the high perch and slant (excluding the scenario of the college guy-girl fluttering). It makes the driver uncomfortable as well; if the pillion leans - the load fatigue and if the pillion tries to be stiff and straight - spoils the CG balance. It is not meant to have a pillion IMO. I have shifted from a pulsar 150 to a C350 and the servicing cost is higher than the pulsar. Otherwise the bike are built to last, I haven't faced even a flat tyre since 1.5 years on it . All bikes from RE are pillion friendly (incl TB), and city friendly since they offer comfort to the rider as well. However they will not be as easy to maneuver as the R15, C350 is better than TB for that. The engine and all is same for TB350 and C350.
My suggestion - if your mom is going to travel with you avoid the R15 or for that matter any naked or track gene bike.
 
blkrb0t said:
Even your friends will find it uncomfortable to ride pillion with you on R15, especially the new one.

1. TB good for city use? Maybe, depends on which city you're in. I live in Bangalore, and it is not comfortable to lug around such a bike in traffic, especially with its weird pseudo cruiser-type handlebar.

2. Yes, all Royal Enfield's will have a higher maintenance cost. If you plan to buy it, prepared to be amazed at the many problems you'll face. This is in comparison to R15 though, which is very easy to maintain. However, the parts not being available is completely false. If you are OK with the increased maintenance, then go for TB.

3. Yes, that has pathetic VFM. However, if you like it, then what's stopping you from getting it?

4. No, won't turn yellowish if you clean it regularly and don't let dust settle over it for a long period of time.

Why not Classic 350? Same engine as TB; same maintenance; but better handling in city.
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Thanks brother for the reply.But have got some queries.
Lets discuss about it point wise.
*I had almost decided to go for the RE Thunderbird.But one of my friend came to my home today and he is considered as"Bike Guru"in our group.He has also got a R15v2.When I asked him about his point of view on TB.He said that the TB is meant to be driven in "specific way".He meant by this that I will have to maintain a constant speed.And as I am a newbie it will be difficult to do so cause I am bit afraid to go on higher speeds.And he also said that the gearbox is not good and if I keep on fluctuating on the accelerator,there can be a problem in the tappets.And below 20 kmph there will be rattling sound coming from the engine.According to him the maintenance cost is pretty high.He said after a period of time when i visit the SC,they will charge a soild 4-6k at a time.And to be honest I cant afford that.I will be kicked out of home if I spend that much on a bike.Maximum I can spend is 2k.And that too after a month or two.I can't spend too much money every after few days.According to him there will a problem every after few days.And the bike is too heavy.I am 110 kgs.Kindly guide me.What is he is right?

*And my mom tried sitting on the R15 and she found it too high,though she was able to sit.She din't say anything but its duty to keep her comfortable while riding and make sure that she doesnt fall off.Thats a problem.There is another issue.There are already 3 R15's in my colony.So I dont want ape them.Want to be a bit different.I also considered cbr 150 but reviews are not good.But IMHO I am a newbie and this is gonna be my first ride and dont you think that cbr will be good for me as I have not ridden any better bike before so I will not be able to judge that whether its good than others or bad.Whats your take?
Thanks

Kindly reply.I am in a great mess.I know its bit long but I want to say all the things about which i am worried..Thanks once again.
 
soggy316 said:
I can't comment on the other bikes, but the points for/against the TB are:

3. Maintenance is not an issue with the new enfields, there will be some minor niggles here and there but you should be able to live with them (also you will need to do your homework deciding on which service center to get your bike worked on, there is an insane variation between different dealers).
( Assume you service the bike every three months, servicing costs 500-700 labour + 1000 oil + some few hundred extra for filter replacements etc. you need to change the oil every 3k kms )

Nope, only a bullet is a bullet, that too the CI engine ones, the rest are "royal enfields".
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By minor niggles do you mean that I have to visit a mechanic or SC after every few days.Or there will be issues every time,which I will have to learn to live with?My monthly run will be about 200kms.So according to that I will have to change the oil after an year.So that comes to around 1-1.5k every three months.Is my calculation right?And what are possiblities that a 3 month maintaince cost will cross 2k or how many times is it possible?
Please read what I have replied to @blkrb0t.It will take some time of yours but will help me a lot.Thanks brother.
 
With Thunderbird or any Bullet it is important to find a good mechanic who knows what he is doing. I have never spent more than 500 as labor charges on my Bullet on a single visit. I was lucky that my Dad knew a good Bullet mechanic and he even accompanied us when we went to purchase the bike. For the last 16 years he is the only one who has worked on the bike and treats it like his own baby. As for the tappets they do make a discernible rattle at low speeds. However he has never tightens them up saying that it is bad for the engine and I don't argue with him. Also I get the bike serviced every 4 months irrespective of the kms it was ridden during that time.
 
evilwit said:
By minor niggles do you mean that I have to visit a mechanic or SC after every few days.Or there will be issues every time,which I will have to learn to live with?My monthly run will be about 200kms.So according to that I will have to change the oil after an year.So that comes to around 1-1.5k every three months.Is my calculation right?And what are possiblities that a 3 month maintaince cost will cross 2k or how many times is it possible?
Please read what I have replied to @blkrb0t.It will take some time of yours but will help me a lot.Thanks brother.
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Minor niggles = stuff that will irritate you but not impede the running of the bike, i.e. minor leaks (not really a problem these days), something will be rattling etc. What I have observed with enfields in general, the problems with your bike will by and large be unique to you. but they will be constant regardless of where you drag the bike to, be it the desert the mountains or the coast.

You will have to service the bike one in 3-4 months, but change the oil only once (I would personally do it twice) a year. The company service centers are reasonably competent. I think for the first few servicings the oil changes are mandatory, so 1st year servicing cost will be higher (although you save on labour cost)

If you are going to be running only 200ks a month, look at a scooter - the Ray/Activa/Wego/The rumored Honda 150cc scooter. it will be much more convenient and cheaper for a 200k/month run (unless you plan to tour/do trackdays) with your vehicle.
 
If your conditions are low maintenance and pillion comfort while maintaining reasonable performance, I'd recommend the Karizma R (not the ZMR) for pillion comfort bias or the CBR 250 (not sure if the non-ABS one is within your budget) for performance bias.
 
evilwit said:
Guys finally booked bajaj 200ns.Plasma blue.Show off thread coming soon.
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EDIT: @blkrb0t @soggy316 @m-jeri @rdst_1 @Being.smart
Guys i have booked it but my so called 'door ke rishte daar' who even don't wish me on my birthday,has started suggesting or rather forcing my parents that a 200cc bike is to much for a beginner.I learnt biking on a splendour and I rode it in a open place intially and after that when my confident was little built,I rode it on a road.Though i was imperfect and was at a very low speed but I enjoyed riding a motorcycle for first time in my life.And i think even if I buy a scooty or a lower displacement bike,it will obviously take some time to get habitual.And i have read on some websites that a 200ns accelarates very quickly.For this i have decided that for the starting days I will ride the bike in a open place and when I feel that i have enough confidence in me,I will hit the road.And i will keep the speed low and then will gradually increase it but under safety levels.Whats your take on that?And another issue my mom noticed is that my feet couldnt touch the ground properly.Like some part of heel was not touching.I am 5'8".But I don't think its a big issue because over a period of time i will get used to it.Please advice.thanks a lot.
 
Not to sound brash or reckless but I believe that if you have road sense the vehicle doesn't matter. I went from a bicycle to a Bullet and never had any trouble. Just rode a Hayabusa last week and that was the second sports bike I have ever ridden apart from an evening on an Apache RTR.
If you follow the rules and like I said above, have general road sense and common sense, no vehicle is too big, heavy or powerful. You should just know your limits and stick to them.
 
evilwit said:
EDIT: @blkrb0t @soggy316 @m-jeri @rdst_1 @Being.smart
Guys i have booked it but my so called 'door ke rishte daar' who even don't wish me on my birthday,has started suggesting or rather forcing my parents that a 200cc bike is to much for a beginner.I learnt biking on a splendour and I rode it in a open place intially and after that when my confident was little built,I rode it on a road.Though i was imperfect and was at a very low speed but I enjoyed riding a motorcycle for first time in my life.And i think even if I buy a scooty or a lower displacement bike,it will obviously take some time to get habitual.And i have read on some websites that a 200ns accelarates very quickly.For this i have decided that for the starting days I will ride the bike in a open place and when I feel that i have enough confidence in me,I will hit the road.And i will keep the speed low and then will gradually increase it but under safety levels.Whats your take on that?And another issue my mom noticed is that my feet couldnt touch the ground properly.Like some part of heel was not touching.I am 5'8".But I don't think its a big issue because over a period of time i will get used to it.Please advice.thanks a lot.
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Tell them you will consider their opinion if any of them are willing to buy it off you for the full price+registration that you paid.
 
evilwit said:
EDIT: @blkrb0t @soggy316 @m-jeri @rdst_1 @Being.smart
Guys i have booked it but my so called 'door ke rishte daar' who even don't wish me on my birthday,has started suggesting or rather forcing my parents that a 200cc bike is to much for a beginner.I learnt biking on a splendour and I rode it in a open place intially and after that when my confident was little built,I rode it on a road.Though i was imperfect and was at a very low speed but I enjoyed riding a motorcycle for first time in my life.And i think even if I buy a scooty or a lower displacement bike,it will obviously take some time to get habitual.And i have read on some websites that a 200ns accelarates very quickly.For this i have decided that for the starting days I will ride the bike in a open place and when I feel that i have enough confidence in me,I will hit the road.And i will keep the speed low and then will gradually increase it but under safety levels.Whats your take on that?And another issue my mom noticed is that my feet couldnt touch the ground properly.Like some part of heel was not touching.I am 5'8".But I don't think its a big issue because over a period of time i will get used to it.Please advice.thanks a lot.
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People with no knowledge of motorcycles or automobiles, or anything else for that matter, are always ready to give their advice. They act concerned, but they usually have no rational reasoning behind their advices.

A 200cc motorbike is nothing special. You will pick up riding it in no time; I'd say you'll be used to it in under a week. Just don't drive like you're playing GTA and you'll be fine. Also, get a good helmet and other safety gear.
 
200CC.. 200CC.... NOT 2 litre bike.

You will get used to the bike extremely fast. When I was in US, I took a EXTREMELY MODDED r1 belonging to a colleague out for a run. Now that is scary.
Drop the gear and slight twist, the bike was pulling ~70. :S. I will admit, scared out of my mind. I didnt know bikes can do that in first so fast. But 2 minutes, everything set to normal.. :D :D.. Pushed way way more.
 
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